The principal of St Martin’s Catholic Academy in Stoke Golding has retired after nearly 30 years at the school.

Brenda Carson, who joined the staff as a food technology teacher in 1985, became its principal in 2005.

The only Catholic high school in the county, the school’s age range will extend to 11 to 16-year-old students in September when Mrs Carson’s successor, Clive Wright, will take over as principal.

Mrs Carson said she felt “privileged” to have served at what she described as a “unique” school.

She said: “One of the challenges set by our governors, when I was appointed as headteacher, was to realise the ambition and vision of the Dominican Sisters to provide faith based 11-16-year-old education in South Leicestershire.

“As I retire I am delighted to hand over the reins to our new principal and to wish the first cohort of Year 10 students great success in all they do.”

During her time as principal, the school was four times rated “outstanding” by Ofsted and Section 48 inspectors.

Mrs Carson said the ratings were “a tribute to the support of governors, friends and parents, especially those on the PTFA”.

“My thanks and admiration go to all of the headteachers locally, to staff, students and parents who’ve sent so many messages and best wishes and to the extended St Martin’s family, because that is what we are. God Bless.”

Father Frank Daly, of St Peter’s RC Church in Hinckley, who has been school chaplain of St Martin’s for the past ten years said: “Brenda had a wonderful combination of professionalism and a loving spirit.

“Very many people in our town and district will have cause to be grateful to her.

“She knew every one of the children by name and made it her business to learn the names of the new students within weeks of their arrival at the school.

“Not only did she have concern for their educational development but also for their personal welfare.

“She was also very kind and thoughtful to the remaining elderly sisters in the convent.